IN THE PICTURE. Huge crowds, moving speeches, key moments of the white march for Mehdi Kessaci

Thousands of people gathered in Marseille this Saturday, November 22 to demonstrate following the death of environmental activist Amine Kessaci’s brother.

Almost ten days after the murder of Mehdi Kessaci, a meeting was held at the Claudie d’Arcy roundabout, where the tragedy occurred. At its peak, 6,200 people showed up to pay their respects to the deceased, according to National Police Headquarters.

Strong mobilization

At the location, flowers, white t-shirts and candles were distributed. The crowd continued to grow as the event progressed. In front of the department’s hotel, thousands of people came to pay tribute to Mehdi Kessaci. Politicians, but also many Marseilla residents are concerned.

Like someone who joins an association whose name wants to be kept secret. He testified: ““I’m angry, in the end all this is the responsibility of the state,” he complained. Every day, I see young people whose legs are cut off, people being tortured, mutilated, because of this traffic jam. We are being held hostage in our neighborhoods, and the state is not coming to our aid.”

The participant, shedding tears, added: “so that we stop accusing mothers, families of being riddled with insecurity, of their children being trapped in human trafficking.“

For Lionel, resident of Marseille for 10 years, “the state must take over“.”The straw is what broke the camel’s back. If we start killing innocent people, we will no longer dare to walk around Marseille in peace.”he complained. Martine, 72, came to offer support to the Kessaci family, but also to show it “Kids really want to hear stories about drug dealers. Whenever there’s something going on, we’ll be there, we’ll occupy that space..”

“Justice for Mehdi”

During the honoring ceremony, several minutes of silence were observed. In between, slogans were chanted by the 6,200 people present. “Justice for Mehdi” And “More equality, less crime“Hands were also raised to show that society is against drug trafficking.”Stand up to say that we are together. Affirm that this country will not lower its head”asked Amine Kessaci at the end of his speech.

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Participants paying tribute to Mehdi Kessaci chanted “Justice for Mehdi” at the traffic circle where he was killed.

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©Mélanie Philips

Amine Kessaci’s poignant speech

Announced absent for security reasons, Amine Kessaci, Mehdi’s brother and a committed ecological activist against drug trafficking, spoke, after thanking everyone who responded. “My brother Mehdi is innocent. He’s just guilty of being my brother. He is kind, honest, sincere. He had his life ahead of him. Remember his name, a thousand times, repeat his name. “Don’t let him be forgotten which was his second death,” he said, adding: “I am inconsolable. I demand justice for Mehdi. I demand justice for Brahim, our murdered brother. I demand justice for all victims.”

He announced that he had accepted the offer to receive the Legion of Honor, but stated that he was not seeking any honor. “Neighborhood mothers are the ones who deserve the decorations. For their courage, their dignity, their daily struggles, my mother fought to help and protect us and today, she lost two sons. However, he was the one who allowed me to stand.”

According to him, drug trafficking is favored by “any institutional decline.” “The departure from public service, the end of community policing, the lack of resources of investigators and teachers is asking so much. We are not asking for alms, we are asking for justice“, said Amine Kessaci in a serious tone, asking for more resources for education, police or associations.

Speech by Oussila, mother of Mehdi Kessaci

Amine wasn’t the only one to speak up. His mother also wanted to say a few words, even though her emotions were strong. “My son Mehdi was murdered, hit by a criminal’s bullet that hit his heart. My heart is torn, I am inconsolable. No mother wants to see her child die prematurely..” Then, he spoke directly to those who took his sons’ lives: “This is the second son they took from me. How many times have I been tortured by having my heart ripped out? Murderers, you have killed me, but you will never kill the love I have for my children.” Then, crying. Supported by the audience applauding him, he continued.”Is your mother proud of you as I am proud of my children?“

Politicians are present

Many politicians were present at the mobilization to honor Mehdi Kessaci. Benoit Payan, mayor of the city of Marseille, François Ruffin, Marine Tondelier, Raphaël Glucksmann, Sébastien Delogu, Didier Jau, mayor 4^e Marseille district. Upon arrival at the location, Benoit Payan stated: “Facing people who have no meaning in this life, we must stand up“, said the Mayor of Marseille.”The fight is not over yet“, added the elected official, who called for”Do not be afraid” to come to the meeting. At the end of the meeting, Benoit Payan went to lay the flowers, together with Amine. He whispered words in her ear that would remain private, as well as a hug before the moment of contemplation.

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Amine Kessaci and his father hug Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan, during a tribute to Mehdi Kessaci, who was assassinated on November 13, 2025.

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©Mélanie Philips/FTV

At the end of the tribute, a mother, who lost a loved one in 2023, called Sébastien Delogu. Afterwards he stated on France 3’s microphone: “we have to move, the people, all elected officials have to move. We are sick of senseless killings. We still live in the same neighborhood where it happened, we have no help, no psychological unit for our children..”

Meanwhile, Sébastien Delogu regretted “hypocrisy which means the political world only moves when there is tragedy or when there is news.“in his opinion, we must provide resources:”We need a return to public services, community policing to restore the fact that people feel safe and restore calm to society. Facts provide a means of prevention for our children, our youth, to get out of human trafficking, to try to escape the tragic daily life of today.” he concluded.